Your Water & COVID-19

Is My Water Safe?Yes, your tap water is safe to drink. COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water supplies. The ACC Public Utilities Department (PUD) follows EPA regulations for water treatment that prevent waterborne pathogens such as viruses from contaminating drinking water. The standard treatment and disinfectant processes used by the PUD are expected to remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19, which is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection.

Do I need to stockpile bottled water?Though our state has issued a shelter in place order, the men and women at Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department’s treatment facilities remain at work 24/7. The delivery of clean, safe water and its collection is essential to the health and economy of Athens. Whether you are washing your hands, making a pot of coffee, or flushing a toilet, we are working to provide you with this vital resource.

Can I pay my bill in person?The Water Business Office is closed for in-person transactions at this time. There are many other ways to pay your bill, including one of two dropboxes located at 124 E. Hancock Ave. Read More

Will my water be shut-off for non-payment? Access to running water for handwashing is vital to slowing the spread of COVID-19. To curtail the transmission of the virus, the Public Utilities Department suspended water shut-offs for non-payment through May 13, 2020. Residents who have been disconnected for non-payment have had services restored. The Public Utilities Department may extend the date as needed. Please note that unpaid balances will still accrue on your account.

Can the utility waive water fees for consumption?No. The Public Utilities Department is prohibited legally from providing water service free of charge. A tentative agenda item about financial relief for a Mayor & Commissioner meeting in March included a section that mentioned the possibility of providing free water for March and April. The final agenda item that was approved by the Mayor & Commission did not include this item. Public Utilities suspended shut-offs for non-payment for 60 days as of March 13, 2020, until May 13, 2020. If customers are having difficulty paying their water bill, the Water Business Office can work with customers to arrange payment plans. Please note that unpaid balances will still accrue on your account.